Experience the best of Southern Tanzania on this 4-day safari from Dar es Salaam, combining the waterways and wildlife of Nyerere National Park with the open savannahs of Mikumi National Park. It is an ideal safari for travelers who want to see more of Tanzania beyond the northern safari circuit while keeping the journey convenient from Dar es Salaam.
Your adventure begins in Nyerere National Park, one of Tanzania's most remarkable wilderness areas. Here, you will enjoy a boat safari along the Rufiji River, where you may see hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds, followed by an exciting full-day game drive through the park. You will then continue to Mikumi National Park, where open plains provide excellent opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest and, with some luck, lions and other predators.
With a combination of boat and land-based safari experiences, comfortable accommodation and the expertise of a professional local safari guide, this 4-day itinerary offers an authentic and memorable introduction to Southern Tanzania.
Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel or accommodation in Dar es Salaam, usually around 5:30 AM. You will travel towards Nyerere National Park, enjoying the changing scenery as you leave the city and continue into the countryside.
Upon arrival, you will check in at your accommodation and have lunch before relaxing briefly. In the afternoon, you will head out for a boat safari on the Rufiji River, one of the highlights of visiting Nyerere National Park.
As you cruise along the river, keep an eye out for hippos gathering in the water, crocodiles resting along the banks and numerous species of birds. The peaceful setting, waterways and surrounding wildlife offer a completely different safari experience from a traditional game drive. After the boat safari, return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp in Nyerere National Park
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive in Nyerere National Park with packed breakfast and lunch.
The day is dedicated to exploring the park's diverse landscapes and searching for its wildlife. Depending on the season and location, you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, hippos and other wildlife. Nyerere is also known for its African wild dogs, while lions and other predators may be seen with some luck.
Your experienced safari guide will choose the best areas to explore based on wildlife movements, recent sightings and road conditions, making the most of your time in the park.
Later in the afternoon, you will leave Nyerere National Park and continue towards Mikumi, passing through the Tanzanian countryside. Arrive in the evening, check in at your accommodation, and enjoy dinner before relaxing for the night.
Overnight: Camp Bastian or similar accommodation in Mikumi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, depart for a full-day game drive in Mikumi National Park with a packed lunch.
Mikumi is known for its open grasslands and abundant wildlife, making it an excellent destination for a short safari. You will explore the park with your guide, looking for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, elands, warthogs and other wildlife.
With good fortune, you may also see lions and other predators. The park's open landscapes make it particularly enjoyable for wildlife viewing and photography, while the variety of birdlife adds another dimension to the safari experience.
Your guide will take time to explain the animals, tracks, landscapes and ecosystems you encounter along the way, making the day about more than simply spotting wildlife. After a full day in the park, return to your accommodation in the evening for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
Overnight: Camp Bastian or similar accommodation in Mikumi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before beginning your journey back to Dar es Salaam.
The drive takes you through the countryside, giving you an opportunity to enjoy the changing landscapes as you make your way towards the coast. Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, your guide will drop you off at your hotel, the airport or another agreed location.
Your 4-day Nyerere and Mikumi safari ends with wonderful memories of Southern Tanzania.
